Mickey Arthur said in an interview this afternoon that talks were at an 'embryonic stage' because the domestic season is 'just finishing in South Africa'.
I think we can discount the big name fast bowlers from that part of the world. Ngidi is injured, Coetzee just returning from a stress fracture, Rabada, Maphaka, Burger and Jansen are all at the IPL.
It will depend on the makeup of their 15-man World Cup squad, where in addition to those names above, Andile Phehlukwayo and Lizaad Williams are also in the mix. So too Ottniel Baartman, who has had two terrific domestic seasons running over there, producing very good spells in all formats. I'd be happy with any of those options.
If you want a left-field pick, how about Hardus Viljoen? He has had a good winter over there and he would be available, even replying to a club post about Amir on X yesterday with 'call me' emojis. For me, his stellar game at Hove apart, the jury was out on his time here before, but he has kept taking wickets, hits a long ball and usually stays fit.
Or for that matter Duane Olivier, who was back in national colours this winter? He did better for us than Yorkshire, where he took a memorable pasting from Leus du Plooy in one game, but he is a very good bowler in peak form - though T20 is not really his format.
It will be interesting to see which way Mickey Arthur has gone. Perhaps Miguel Pretorius, who had a short stint at Durham last season, could be another option, again coming off the back of an excellent domestic season
But there are plenty of very good options in those parts. It just depends on how quickly someone can get over here.
How about Corbin Bosch? A decent all-rounder who can prove destructive with the ball in T20 match es, and has a decent first class batting average. Won't be picked for South Africa's T20I World Cup squad so should be available.
ReplyDeleteDecent shout for T20 but whether he is what we need in four day concerns me. Average of 40 with the ball in that, which would concern me. But yes, decent T20 player!
DeleteAre you sure he's a cricketer, sounds more like a Black and Decker drill.
DeleteI remember his Dad, a very quick bowler who died very young and in mysterious circumstances...
DeleteMy prediction is Glenton Stuurman.
ReplyDeleteI'd not object to Beyers Swanepoel though.
Both fine names! And I love an 'under the radar' signing. Interesting selections, Hamez, like it
DeleteMickes tendency and clear love,of Pakistan cricket means he may pull a rabbit out of the hat. I'm expecting a Derbyshire come Pakistani eleven. It's going to be a nightmare identifying them because as we know in Asia they have very similar sounding names. Shan and zamon have both done us proud recently.
ReplyDeleteAlthough Haider Ali disappointed most of the time.
If it's down to a choice between Viljoen and Olivier I would certainly choose the latter. Viljoen's bowling was all over the place in a low scoring Championship match at Derby a few seasons ago and in a T20 game at Chesterfeld he was rooted to the spot instead of bothering to go for a skied catch. At least Olivier gave the impression ge was trying.
ReplyDeleteSwanepoel has signed for Kent
ReplyDelete